SciFi Movies - Pirates of Venus
Questions and Answers

Edgar Rice Burroughs' "Pirates of Venus"

It would be an understatement to say that we were excited to learn Angelic Pictures was producing a movie based on Edgar Rice Burroughs' Pirates of Venus. The first of five novels dealing with the Earthman who finds himself stranded on our neighboring planet, Pirates of Venus introduces readers to one of the most imaginitive and exciting literary worlds of the 20th century. Like so many others of Burroughs' great books, the Venus quintology was overshadowed by ERB's other creations Tarzan and the John Carter books.

We were pleased to be among the first Web sites to ask Angelic Pictures a few questions about their production plans. We'll be keeping a close eye on this project as it promises to become a great film franchise!

An interview from September 26, 2007

Xenite.Org: Can you discuss the other four books besides "Pirates of Venus" and "The Girl From Hollywood" that Angelic Pictures has acquired rights to?

Angelic Pictures: Angelic Pictures holds the sole rights to all 5 books Edgar Rice Burroughs' Venus series. As can well be guessed, "Pirates of Venus" is just the begining.

Xenite.Org: Has a production schedule been set for "Pirates of Venus"?

Angelic Pictures: Priates of Venus is currently being developed and no release date has been decided. Until that date is set, we cannot provide an accurate projection of production schedule. We do expect to have the film completed by Summer of 2010.

Xenite.Org: How will casting be handled? Will you go with an open-invitation to fans around the country, around the world, etc.?

Angelic Pictures: Angelic Pictures abides by the requirements and standards of the Screen Actors Guild. We do plan on a high degree of interaction with fans worldwide.

Xenite.Org: Can you talk about distribution at this point? Will this be handled as an independent film, are you looking for major theatrical release, will it be direct-to-DvD, still to be decided?

Angelic Pictures: "Pirates of Venus" is planned for full theatrical release via a major US distribution company. It will not be direct to DVD. An undertaking of this magnitude requires a venue worthy of the expense of creation. ERB's legacy and his fans deserve this level of detail and quality. We have already received interests from a variety of foriegn markets as well as a couple of major domestic studios. The world wide love of ERB makes this a very exciting project to be associated with.

Xenite.Org: Will Mark Maine or other Angelic Pictures folks visit other science fiction and fantasy conventions?

Angelic Pictures: We certainly enjoy interaction with enthusiasts from all over the world. We expect to have a growing and substantial presence in venues of all varieties. Certainly with the loyal base of followers that Science fiction and fantasy conventions attract are very important to our project. We expect our principals, screewriters and other key personnel will be available to fans at these venues.

Xenite.Org: Pulp adventure stories continue to thrive in today's comics but many traditional SF book fans have a great love for ERB. Do you have a plan for reaching out to the ERB fans specifically and SF book fans in general?

Angelic Pictures: Our handling of "Pirates of Venus" should appeal to general SF fans and have plenty of nuances for the ERB afficiando. Edgar Rice Burroughs is one of the outstanding grandfathers of Sicence Fiction. We are working hard to be true to his vision of Venus at the same time as creating an adventure to thrill sophisticated summer audiences.

Xenite.Org: How can we help from Xenite.Org and SF-Fandom?

Angelic Pictures: For over 70 years the fantasitc world of Amtor has remained hidden beneath its enveloping clouds. The expense of realizing ERB's vision has held cinematic production of his work at bay all this time. Finally through digital filmmaking fans and audiences around the world can penetrate the viels of mystery and experience the soaring forests and wild oceans of Venus. We have walked a long road to this point and still have a good distance to go. We value input from fans and wish to build their interest and excitment in this project. Certainly you provide a fine forum for discussions with fans of ERB. We like to reward those who have carried the torch for ERB over the decades and let them know the latest happenings first. The film itself is but one small part of this sweeping projects. As these projects, merchandise and events come on line we hope to provide a vivid and engaging expereinces for audiences around the world.

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